Browsing: Glossary of Terms

This glossary offers basic info on words and terms in health care. It includes many sources, so a word or term may have more than one definition.

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Glossary of Medical Terms for Patients
This glossary provides simple definitions of common medical, surgical, and healthcare terms to help you better understand your treatment options in Turkey.
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A
Anesthesia—Medication used to block discomfort during surgery. Types include:
• Local (numbs a small area)
• General (puts you to sleep)
• Sedation (which calms but does not completely unconscious you)

Antibiotic—A drug that fights bacterial infections.
Autologous—Using a patient’s own tissue (e.g., fat transfer in cosmetic surgery).
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B
Bariatric Surgery—Weight-loss procedures like gastric sleeve or bypass.
Biopsy—Removing a small tissue sample to test for diseases like cancer.
Botox—a cosmetic injection that temporarily reduces wrinkles.
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C
Catheter—A thin tube used in medical procedures (e.g., urinary catheter).
Chemotherapy—cancer treatment using strong drugs.
Computed tomography (CT) scans are detailed X-rays that produce three-dimensional images of bones and organs.
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D
DVT (deep vein thrombosis)—a blood clot, often in the legs, that can be a risk after surgery.
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E
Epidural—Pain relief injection near the spine (common in childbirth/surgery).
Explant—Removing a medical implant (e.g., breast implants).
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F
FUE Follicle unit extraction, or FUE, is a hair transplant technique that involves moving individual follicles.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)—A hair transplant method using a strip of scalp.
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)—Procedures to soften masculine facial features.
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G
Gastric Sleeve—Surgery that removes part of the stomach to help with weight loss.
General Surgeon—A doctor who performs common surgeries (e.g., appendix removal).
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H
Hematoma—A collection of blood under the skin, sometimes after surgery.
Hernia—An organ pushing through muscle or tissue is called a hernia.
Hypertension—high blood pressure.
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I
IVF (in vitro fertilization)—Fertility treatment where eggs are fertilized outside the body.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)—A hospital section for critically ill patients.
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J
Joint Replacement—Surgery to replace damaged joints (e.g., knee/hip).
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K
Ketamine Therapy—A treatment for depression or chronic pain.
Kyphoplasty—A minimally invasive spine surgery for fractures.
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L
Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive surgery with a camera and tiny incisions.
LASIK—laser eye surgery to correct vision.
Liposuction—fat-removal procedure.
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M
Mammoplasty—Breast surgery (augmentation, reduction, or lift).
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)—A scan using magnets (no radiation) for detailed body images.
Microblading—semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing.
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N
Nephrology—Medical field focused on kidneys.
Neurosurgery—Surgery performed on the brain, spine, or nerves is known as neurosurgery.
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O
Oncology—cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery).
Otoplasty—ear surgery (e.g., pinning back protruding ears).
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P
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)—A treatment using a patient’s own blood to promote healing (used in hair restoration and joint pain).
Post-op—Short for “postoperative” (recovery period after surgery).
Prosthesis—An artificial body part (e.g., limb, breast implant).
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R
Rhinoplasty—nose reshaping surgery.
Robotic Surgery—Minimally invasive surgery using robotic arms (e.g., the Da Vinci system).
Radiation Therapy—Cancer treatment using targeted radiation.
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S
Stem Cell Therapy—Repairing damaged tissues with stem cells is known as stem cell therapy.
Sutures—stitches used to close surgical wounds.
Septoplasty—surgery to fix a deviated septum (nasal blockage).
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T
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)—Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): Surgery to remove extra skin or fat from the stomach.
Thyroidectomy—Removal of the thyroid gland.
Transplant—Replacing a damaged organ/tissue with a donor’s (e.g., hair, kidney).
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U
Ultrasound—Imaging using sound waves (e.g., checking pregnancies).
Urology—Urology is a branch of medicine that focuses on male reproductive health and the urinary system.
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V
Varicose Veins—Swollen veins, often treated with laser therapy.
Veneers—Thin shells placed on teeth for cosmetic improvement.
Vasectomy—Male sterilization procedure.
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W
Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric Surgery)—Procedures like gastric sleeve or bypass to treat obesity.
Wisdom Teeth Removal—Extraction of third molars.
Wound Care—Treatment to help surgical incisions heal properly.
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📌 This glossary simplifies terms—always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.